Lauren Wallis on silencing in library instruction

“This particular silence doesn’t even register for subject faculty or students. It is simply what they expect of us.”

Lauren Wallis speaks powerful words in her post on the silencing of instruction librarians in academia. I’ve certainly had my share of “only show them these databases please” instruction requests, but I’ve also been blessed to work with a number of faculty who value my work and suggestions. I have no doubt this is due in part to my privilege, but I think much it also comes from the ethos of the liberal arts college where I work which places a high priority on collaborative pedagogy and critical thinking.